EP0875127B1 - System and method for manufacturing an electric heater - Google Patents
System and method for manufacturing an electric heater Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0875127B1 EP0875127B1 EP96944716A EP96944716A EP0875127B1 EP 0875127 B1 EP0875127 B1 EP 0875127B1 EP 96944716 A EP96944716 A EP 96944716A EP 96944716 A EP96944716 A EP 96944716A EP 0875127 B1 EP0875127 B1 EP 0875127B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- heater
- conductor
- essentially
- lay
- cushion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
- H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
- H05B3/36—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heating conductor embedded in insulating material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
- H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders, bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
- A47C21/04—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating
- A47C21/048—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for heating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/56—Heating or ventilating devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/56—Heating or ventilating devices
- B60N2/5678—Heating or ventilating devices characterised by electrical systems
- B60N2/5685—Resistance
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/002—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements
- H05B2203/003—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements using serpentine layout
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/014—Heaters using resistive wires or cables not provided for in H05B3/54
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/016—Heaters using particular connecting means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/017—Manufacturing methods or apparatus for heaters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/029—Heaters specially adapted for seat warmers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49082—Resistor making
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49082—Resistor making
- Y10T29/49083—Heater type
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49082—Resistor making
- Y10T29/49085—Thermally variable
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system and a method for manufacturing an electric heater, preferably of the kind described in the Swedish patent application No. 9402508-7.
- a heater of this type is primarily intended for heating foam-moulded cushions for e.g. vehicle seats or mattresses.
- the heater comprises an electrical conductor which preferably consists of an insulated or non-insulated metal wire for electrically heating the foam-moulded cushion.
- One object of the present invention is to make it possible to manufacture a heater of the kind outlined above in a simple and rapid manner.
- Fig. 1 illustrates schematically one example of a foam-moulded cushion including a heater manufactured in accordance with the inventive method and/or while using the inventive system.
- Fig. 2 illustrates schematically one example of the various steps of the inventive method for the manufacture of the heating device.
- Fig. 3 illustrates schematically one example of an inventive conductor lay-out structure for a heater in accordance with a first embodiment.
- Fig. 4 illustrates schematically one example of an alternative embodiment a holder arrangement included in a conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 5 illustrates schematically one example of an inventive pick-up structure.
- Fig. 6 illustrates schematically in a broken sectional lateral view the manner in which a part of the pick-up structure in accordance with one embodiment is lowered on top of a conductor deposited by a conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 7 illustrates schematically in a broken sectional lateral view the manner of engagement of parts of the pick-up structure with a conductor lifted off a conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 8 illustrates schematically in a view from below and in a broken sectional view the manner of engagement of the pick-up structure lowered on top of the conductor lay-out structure with a conductor positioned in the conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 9 illustrates schematically a fixation structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 10 illustrates schematically the manner in which the pick-up structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention transfers the deposited conductor from a conductor lay-out structure to a fixation structure and further to a transportation package.
- Fig. 11 illustrates schematically in a broken sectional lateral view a part of a pick-up structure including a conductor disposed in a fixation structure.
- Fig. 12 illustrates schematically a fixation structure in accordance with an alternative embodiment.
- Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a band formed by a conductor and consisting of a plurality of loops that are interconnected by local interconnections.
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion in which a heater, generally designated by 1, is for instance mainly embedded by moulding.
- the heater 1 comprises at least one electrical conductor 2 the ends 3, 4 of which are electrically connected by means of contacts (not shown) to a source of electricity (not shown).
- the heating effect is produced by electric current being conducted through an electrical conductor 2 having suitable resistivity.
- Figs 1 and 13 show one example of a configuration of the lay-out of the heater 1 which heater in accordance with these examples has received its configuration as a result of the conductor 2 having been arranged in one or several bands 5 of closely juxtaposed bights, each one of which comprises a loop 6 and an open portion 7 facing away from said loop.
- adjacent loops 6 that are turned in the same direction essentially are in contact with one another at points of contact 8.
- FIG. 9402508-7 shows several modifications of the lay-out of the conductor 2 for instance in the above-mentioned Swedish application No. 9402508-7, wherein the advantage of arranging the conductor in bights is also described.
- At least parts of the heater 1 and preferably essentially all said open portions 7 or essentially all said points of contact 8 are locally interconnected in accordance with a preferred embodiment in order to form one or several connected bands 5 and consequently an essentially contiguous heater 1.
- the technical advantages gained by connected bands 5 and consequently by an essentially contiguous heater 1 appear from the above-mentioned Swedish patent application No. 9402508-7.
- the interconnection may be achieved for instance by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping.
- Fig. 13 shows one example of establishing the interconnection with the aid of strips 23 and 24, for instance glue strands or strips of tape.
- Fig. 2 illustrates the different principal steps for the manufacture of a heater 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the inventive method.
- the deposition of a conductor 2 is prepared in step 1 by arranging a plurality of protruding members forming part of a conductor lay-out structure in a pattern that is adapted to the configuration of the heater 1, and by positioning a conveyor which is equipped with a follower member in the pattern of a path essentially agreeing with the desired configuration of the heater 1 around said protruding members.
- the conductor 2 is also interconnected with the follower means.
- the conveyor is set in motion whereby the follower means will deposit the conductor 2 in said pattern, the protruding members forming part of a first fixture for the heater 1.
- Fig. 3 illustrates one example the conductor lay-out structure generally designated by 9 comprising a system for the manufacture of a heater 1.
- the conductor lay-out structure 9 comprises a plurality of protruding members generally designated by 10.
- Each protruding member 10, in accordance with the embodiment shown, has a lower part surrounded by a bearing 11, and an upper part 12.
- the upper part 12 preferably comprises a bevelled face 19 extending along the peripheral face at the upper end as seen in Fig. 3.
- a conveyor 13 which in accordance with the embodiment illustrated is a belt conveyor, is arranged between the lower bearing part of the protruding members 10 so as to extend along a path essentially corresponding to the pattern of the heater 1 to be manufactured.
- the conveyor 13 is formed with a follower means 14 supporting a conductor 2.
- the end 70 of the conductor 2 preferably is connected to a conductor supply reel or the like (not illustrated) for essentially continuous supply of the conductor 2 to be deposited in the conductor lay-out structure 9.
- the conveyor 13 extends continuously along said protruding members 10 and is connected to a device (not shown) which could be e.g. motor operated, to actuate the conveyor 13 for movement thereof.
- a holder arrangement generally designated by 15, is provided at one part of the conductor lay-out structure 9 .
- the holder arrangement 15 comprises three holding devices 16, 17 and 18, each one of which is actuated by e.g. pneumatic means (not shown), for independent, individual movement between a locking position in which they each one holds fast a conductor 2 deposited beyond or through the holding device 16, 17, 18, and a release position, in which the conductor 2 is not so held fast.
- the holding device 17 also includes a severing means (not shown) to cut off or otherwise produce an interruption in the conductor 2.
- Fig. 4 illustrates a holder arrangement 15 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment.
- the holding devices 16, 17 and 18 are movable in the direction indicated by arrows A, B and C, respectively, between said locking and release positions.
- dashed lines indicate a severing means 21 which is movable in the direction indicated by arrow D, between the illustrated position and a position wherein said device produces a disconnection in the conductor 2.
- the e.g. semi-circular body 20, about which the conveyor 13 including its following means 14 is arranged preferably is formed with a bevelled face or a back-up face in the area of severence to facilitate the cutting-off of the conductor 2.
- the conductor lay-out structure 9 functions in the following manner.
- the direction of movement of the conveyor 13 is counter-clockwise.
- the conductor 2 In the starting position (not shown) the conductor 2 is held fixedly by the holding device 17, the conveyor 13 is at a stand-still, and the follower means assumes a position between the holding device 17 and the holding device 18.
- the holding devices 16 and 18 assume their release position.
- the conveyor 13 is set in motion, and the follower means 14 deposits the conductor 2 about the upper part 12 of the protruding members 10, above the bevelled face 19 thereon.
- the bevelled face 19 on the protruding members 10 prevents the conductor 2 from sliding downwards alongside the protruding members 10 as seen in Fig. 3.
- the follower means 14 moves past the holding device 18 the latter is shifted to its locking position, whereupon the holding device 17 is shifted to its release position.
- the conductor 2 is then released from the holding device 17, for instance through the inherent resilience of the conductor 2 or with the aid of a means (not shown) for release thereof.
- One end 2 of the conductor 2 and thus of the heater 1 is held fast by the holding device 18 in a first point in the area of one end 4 of the conductor 2 during the laying-out or deposition operation.
- the follower means 14 is moved past and around the rest of the protruding members 10, which members are disposed in a pattern matching the configuration of the heater 1, during which movement the follower means 14 deposits the conductor 2 along the path formed by the conveyor 13, which path essentially corresponds to the desired configuration of the heater 1 (see for example Figs 1 or 13).
- the follower means 14 is then moved past the holding device 17, the latter then being shifted to the locking position.
- the conveyor 13, and thus the follower means 14, are stopped, bringing the follower means 14 to a stand-still between the holding devices 17 and 18 as illustrated in Fig. 4.
- the conductor 2 then is severed with the aid of a suitable means, such as a cutting device 21.
- a conductor 2 is laid out in the conductor lay-out structure 9 in the desired path configuration around protruding members 10, and the conductor 2 is held fixedly in the area of its ends 3, 4 by the holding devices 16 and 18, respectively.
- this conductor 2 has been severed from the conductor 2 one end of which is held fast in the holding device 17 and engaging with the follower means 14 and the opposite end of which 70 is arranged for instance about said conductor supply reel, which position is illustrated in Fig. 3.
- the conductor lay-out structure 9 thus forms a first fixture for the conductor 2 deposited in the conductor lay-out structure 9.
- the conductor 2 has been positioned along a path in the conductor lay-out structure 9 comprising several bands 5 of closely juxtaposed bights.
- the pattern of the laid-out conductor 2 in Fig. 1 does not exactly agree with the pattern of the conductor 2 in Fig. 3.
- the pattern of the laid-out conductor 2 may be varied to suit various purposes, for instance by altering the path of the conveyor 13, by shifting the positions of the protruding members 10 or by exchanging one component, such as a plate to which several or all protruding members 10 are secured, and the lay-out pattern of the conductor as shown in Figs 1 and 3 are merely intended to show various example of path patterns.
- the conductor 2, the follower means 14, the conveyor 13, the holder arrangement 15 and the protruding members 10 may be configured differently from that or those shown.
- the follower means 14 does not pull the conductor 2 behind, because the friction that would arise between the conductor 2 and the protruding members 10, should such an arrangement be adapted, would cause problems in the conductor laying-out operation.
- the conductor 2 is supplied from a reel holding conductor material, to the follower means 14, which deposits the conductor 2 in the desired pattern.
- the deposition of the conductor 2 could be performed by means corresponding to follower means, along said path, when the above mentioned problems of friction between the conductor 2 and the protruding members 10 do not exist.
- means are provided to prevent too rapid and too much conductor material 2 to be unreeled from the supply reel or a corresponding means during the conductor lay-out operation.
- This effect may be achieved for instance by applying a braking force on the reel, which force should be sufficiently weak to allow unreeling of conductor material 2 when the conveyor 13 is in motion but sufficiently stronge to prevent for instance surplus conductor material to be unreeled when the conveyor 13 is stopped.
- a follower means (not shown) is provided in accordance with one embodiment, which follows the movements of the follower 14 and which is arranged to ensure that the follower 14 is supplied with the conductor 2 at a suitable angle with respect to the lay-out extension in order to avoid such problems as the conductor 2 sticking to the follower 14.
- this problem is avoided by positioning the conductor supply reel or the equvivalent means at such a distance from the conductor lay-out structure and at such a position that angular changes during the deposition of the conductor 2 adjacent the follower will be sufficiently small.
- a conductor supply reel may be disposed linearly above the conductor lay-out structure in Fig. 1 at said distance from said lay-out structure 9.
- parts of the heater 1 in accordance with one embodiment may be interconnected to produce said essentially contiguous heater 1.
- the interconnection may be effected in the conductor lay-out structure 9 by for instance gluing, welding, sewing or taping.
- a support is provided in accordance with one embodiment at and preferably below the deposited conductor 2 in Fig. 3, against which the interconnection may then be performed.
- the support in the shape of plates 22 is inserted between the protruding members 10 in the conductor lay-out structure 9 shown in Fig. 3 (illustrated schematically in Fig. 12 with respect to another structure).
- the protruding members 10 are then formed with bevelled faces 22 to facilitate insertion of the support and to permit interconnection at the desired points of interconnection in the conductor 2.
- the support may be provided with a surface layer preventing the conductor 2 from adhering to the support.
- the support is provided with tape which is attached to the conductor 2 by moving the support towards the conductor 2 into engagement therewith at one of its sides, for instance its lower face, while at the same time in accordance with one embodiment a back-up means being displaced towards and into engagement with the opposite side of the conductor 2, for instance its upper face.
- the back-up is provided with a tape, in which case the conductor 2 will be taped from both sides.
- the support or the back-up may also be made use of to facilitate interconnection by means of e.g. welding or sewing, and that the support may for instance be part of the protruding members 10.
- the support may be for instance the bevelled face 22, which in this case is located slightly spaced from or at the deposited conductor 2.
- the connecting material such as tape, glue or the material making part of the seam bond, could also, in accordance with one embodiment, at least partly comprise areas that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, which may be attached to a magnet for reasons to be explained further on.
- a support such as the plates 22, could at least partly comprise areas of material that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, which material adheres to the glue used to interconnect parts of the connector 2.
- magnets such as iron powder
- the holding devices 16, 18 incorporated in the conductor lay-out structure 9 are moved to the release position, whereupon the heater 1 is transferred from the structure 9.
- a new conductor 2 may then be deposited in the conductor lay-out structure 9 in the manner indicated above, after said support, for instance in the form of plates 22, as the case may be and as the need arises having been removed from the conductor lay-out structure 9.
- a pick-up structure is used, for instance configured as the one illustrated in Fig. 5, generally designated by numeral reference 30.
- the pick-up structure 30 illustrated in Fig. 5 has six gripping devices 31 four of which are illustrated schematically.
- Each gripping device 31 is formed with means 32 designed to engage with and essentially fix the conductor that has been deposited in the lay-out structure 9.
- the pattern of the conductor 2 deposited in the conductor lay-out structure 9 comprises a plurity of bands of closely juxtaposed bights, each one of which comprises a loop 6 and a open portion 7 facing away from said loop, juxtaposed loops 6 that are turned in the same direction essentially meeting at points of contact 8.
- the means 32 may be in the shape of a plate having teeth 36 thereon and being securely connected to a rotary shaft 33 (see e.g. Figs 6 and 7), which upon actuation of e.g. a rack 35 cooperating with a gear 34 may be moved between a position illustrated in Fig. 6, in which the teeth 36 are insertable between adjacent loops 6 of the conductor deposited by the conductor lay-out structure 9, and the position illustrated in Fig. 8, wherein the teeth 36 engage with adjacent loops 6 in the area of the points of contact 8.
- the engagement fixes the points of contact 8 between the teeth 36 and an edge 40 of the gripping device 31.
- the pick-up structure 30 likewise comprises a guide 37 to guide the means 32.
- the pick-up structure 30 likewise comprises a holder means (not shown) which is arranged to hold fast the ends 3, 4 of the conductor 2.
- the holder means could comprise for instance two holders (not shown) arranged to fix the ends 3, 4 of the conductor 2 in the area of points 38 and 39, respectively, as the pick-up structure 30 is lowered down across the conductor lay-out structure 9.
- the holding devices 16, 18 of the conductor lay-out structure 9 are then moved to their release position, whereupon the pick-up structure 30, and thus the deposited conductor 2, are transferred from the structure 9 as illustrated in the left-hand part of Fig. 10.
- the conductor 2 is held in its fixed position by the pick-up structure 30 as illustrated in Fig. 7, the pick-up structure 30 then forming a second fixture for the heater 1.
- Deposition and lay-out of the fresh conductor 2 may be started in the conductor lay-out structure 9.
- connection of the conductor 2 fixed to the pick-up structure 30 may in accordance with one embodiment be achieved for instance by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping it to the pick-up structure 30.
- the pick-up structure 30 and thus the conductor 2 are arranged in accordance with one embodiment in abutment against a support, for instance by lowering the pick-up structure 30 towards a table in said with respect to Fig. 5 upside-down position, whereupon connection for instance by means of gluing may be effected to said support.
- the pick-up structure 30 is formed with recesses 46 through which e.g. gluing means may be inserted.
- this support may be provided with the above-mentioned superficial layer to prevent the conductor 2 from being adhering to the support. It is easily understood that also the support with tape thereon and/or the back-up means with tape thereon may be used for tape-attachment of the conductor 2 arranged in the pick-up structure 3.
- the interconnection material such as tape, glue or material comprised in the seam bond, may in this case at least partly comprise areas of a material that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, for reasons to be explained further on.
- interconnection is achieved in an interconnection structure for instance of the type illustrated in Fig. 9 and generally designated by reference numeral 45.
- the interconnection structure 45 is formed with members 47 matching e.g. recesses 46 in the pick-up structure 30, allowing each gripping device 31 to be disposed between members 47.
- Fig. 10 illustrates the turning of the pick-up structure 30 in accordance with this embodiment upside-down with respect to the position wherein it picks up the conductor 2 in the conductor lay-out structure 9 and is then again lowered on top of the interconnection structure 45, ensuring that the members 47 pass through the recesses 46.
- the members 47 support the parts of the conductor 2 to be interconnected, in order to facilitate the interconnection operation. This situation also appears from Fig.
- the pick-up structure 30 forms part of the interconnection structure 45 and the interconnection structure 45 forms a third fixture for the heating device 1.
- the support may be provided with a superficial layer 48 preventing the conductor 2 from being connected to the support.
- the support is provided with tape which is attached to the conductor 2, whereupon in accordance with one embodiment the conductor 2 is also taped from the opposite side, for instance the upper side as seen in Fig. 11.
- the interconnection material such as tape, glue or the material forming part of the seam bond, may also in accordance with one embodiment at least partly comprise areas including material that may be affected by magnets, such as iron powder, for reasons to be explained later on.
- a support may for instance at least partly include areas comprising material that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, which material sticks to the glue used to interconnect parts of the conductor 2.
- the surface layer 48 is capable of retaining said material by magnetic force preparatory to the interconnection step.
- the gluing operation secures the material to the glue string and this material may then be separated from the surface layer 48 when the conductor 2 is moved from the interconnection structure 45.
- an essentially contiguous heater 1 is produced, which may be transferred from the interconnection structure 9 and the pick-up structure 30 while essentially retaining the pattern of lay-out of the conductor.
- the pick-up structure 30 is moved, as the case may be, from the interconnection structure 45 in accordance with Fig. 10 or from the support/back-up members, whereupon the pick-up structure is again, when necessary, turned upside down and disposed above a transportation package 50, which may be e.g. a box, whereupon the shafts 33 and the holding means are actuated to release the heater 1 from the pick-up structure 30, placing it in the transporation package 50.
- a transportation package 50 which may be e.g. a box, whereupon the shafts 33 and the holding means are actuated to release the heater 1 from the pick-up structure 30, placing it in the transporation package 50.
- the transporation package 15 is formed with several protrusions (not shown) having a configuration matching at least some of the loops 8 of the heater 1, the heater 1 being separated from the pick-up structure 30 in such a manner that said loops 8 are placed about the protrusions, ensuring that the heaters 1 transported inside the transporation package 50 have an essentially uniform orientation.
- Unpacking of the heaters positioned in the transportation package 50 may for instance be accomplished by lowering a frame (not shown) with projections having a configuration matching the loops 6 of the heater 1, down into an opened transportation package 50 from above in such a manner that the projections are inserted into the loops 6, whereupon the transporation package 50 and the frame are for instance turned upside down to ensure that the heaters 1 engage with and are supported by the frame, whereupon the package of transporation is separated from the frame and the heaters 1 supported thereby.
- a heater 1, consisting of a non-connected conductor 2 disposed in the pick-up structure 30, is transferred to an interconnection structure which may for instance be configured in the manner illustrated in Fig. 12 and is designated generally by 55.
- This interconnection structure 55 comprises a plurality of protruding members 56 about which the conductor 2 is disposed for instance by means of the pick-up structure 30, for instance by the pick-up structure 30 being lowered down across the interconnection structure 55 in such a manner that the loops 6 of the conductor 2 are placed about the protruding members 56 and the conductor 2 is fixed to the interconnection structure 55, whereupon the movable parts of the pick-up structure 30 are actuated to disengage the pick-up structure 30 from the conductor 2, the pick-up structure 30 without the conductor 2 then being moved away from the interconnection structure 55.
- the protruding members 56 of the interconnection structure 55 are disposed in essentially the same pattern as the protruding members 10 of the conductor lay-out structure 9, and in accordance with the shown preferred embodiment they have a configuration identical to that of the upper part 12 of these protruding members 10.
- the interconnection structure 55 also comprises a holder means (not shown) arranged to fix the ends 3 and 4 of the conductor 2.
- the interconnection structure 55 thus forms a third fixture for the heater 1.
- the interconnection is achieved also in accordance with this embodiment in the manner described above with respect to the interconnection in the case of the conductor lay-out structure 9.
- a pick-up structure is arranged to transfer also part of the conductor lay-out structure 9 together with a non-connected conductor 2 from the structure 9.
- the protruding members 10 may be transferred, or else the upper part 12 thereof may be transferred from the conductor lay-out structure 9 to an interconnection structure (not shown), said interconnection structure then being configured in the manner illustrated in Fig. 12 with respect to the interconnection structure 55.
- the lay-out structure 9 is re-established before the conductor deposition is again started.
- the essentially contiguous heater 1 in accordance with the teachings above may be positioned for instance in a transportion package 50 to be further transported to a cushion or mattress manufacturer or may be transported directly to the premises where the cushions or mattresses are produced.
- the interconnection material comprises at least partly areas of a magnet-affectable material, such as iron powder.
- This material may be made use of in order to, by means of one or several magnets in a mould, fix the essentially assembled heater 1 in the mould during the foam moulding of the cushion or mattress.
- the magnet-affectable material may also, in accordance with one embodiment, be made use of to transport the unpacked heaters secured to said frame, to the mould.
- the preferably flexible plate including magnets which by plate means of magnetic force, is connected to an upper or outer heater 1 secured to the frame protrusions and which picks up said heater from the frame, whereupon the plate and the heater 1 are transferred to the mould to position the heater 1 between the plate and the mould, whereupon the plate is pressed against and adopt the configuration of the mould, whereby the mould is interconnected with the heater 1 by magnetic force, retaining the latter inside the mould when the plate is removed from the mould.
- the force retaining the heater to the mould may be achieved for instance as a result of the magnetic force of the mould on the heater 1 being stronger than the magnetic force of the plate on the heater 1.
- the heater is formed with at least one sensor (not shown), such as a thermistor, which may be connected for instance to a means (not shown) to control the current supply to the heater 1 and/or to a safety means (not shown) which is triggered in response to a predetermined preset temperature of the sensor, whereupon the current supply to the heater 1 is interrupted.
- the sensor is arranged at the heater 1 prior to the interconnection of the parts of the conductor 2, whereby the sensor is connected to the heater 1 at the same time and preferably in the same manner as the interconnection of the various parts of the conductor 2.
- the heater 1 comprises contact means (not shown) at its ends 3,4 for interconnection of the heater to said source of current.
- the feature of arranging a plurality of protruding members 10 incorporated in the lay-out structure 9 in a pattern matching the shape of the heater 1, which is achieved in the prepatory step 1 of Fig. 2, for instance by changing the position of the protruding members 10, by altering the path of the conveyor 13 along said protruding members 10, or by changing one or several inserts to which a plurality of protruding members 10 are attached, preferably is carried out as the production is reset from the manufacture of heaters 1 having a first lay-out pattern, to the manufacture of heaters 1 having a second lay-out pattern.
- the measures of the prepatory step 1 thus need not always be carried out before the deposition step 2 in Fig. 2 is initiated.
- the device for causing the conveyor 13 and/or the holder arrangement 15 to move is arranged in accordance with a preferred embodiment, in a separate part of the conductor lay-out structure 9, the protruding members 10 being arranged at one or several exchangable parts like the above mentioned inserts.
- the conductor 2 may be laid-out along said path in a lay-out structure, one end of the conductor 2 being securely attached to a follower 2, and the opposite end of the conductor 2 preferably being connected to a supply reel or the like for essentially continuous supply of conductor 2 to be deposited by the lay-out structure.
- the conductor 2 need not be supplied to the lay-out structure essentially continuously as is the case when for instance a reel is used. Instead, it is possible for instance in advance to cut off desired lengths of conductor material 2, whereupon a cut length of conductor is deposited or drawn in the desired lay-out pattern by the conveyor.
- the pattern of the path of the conductor 2 around the protruding members in the lay-out structure may also vary within wide limits.
- the conductor 2 has been deposited in the form of one or several bands 5 of closely juxtaposed bights, each bight consisting of a loop 6 and an open portion facing away therefrom, juxtaposed loops that are turned in the same direction being arranged in such a manner that they essentially meet at points of contact 8.
- several alternative lay-out patterns are possible and it is not necessary, although preferable, to arrange the conductor 2 in the form of bights. It is easily understood that the conductor could for instance be deposited in a zig-zag pattern, in which case protruding members having smaller radii than in accordance with the above mentioned embodiments may be used.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Surface Heating Bodies (AREA)
- Resistance Heating (AREA)
- Heating, Cooling, Or Curing Plastics Or The Like In General (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a system and a method for manufacturing an electric heater, preferably of the kind described in the Swedish patent application No. 9402508-7. A heater of this type is primarily intended for heating foam-moulded cushions for e.g. vehicle seats or mattresses. The heater comprises an electrical conductor which preferably consists of an insulated or non-insulated metal wire for electrically heating the foam-moulded cushion.
- Other prior art systems of this kind are disclosed by US3722777, DE2537579 and EP0151501.
- One object of the present invention is to make it possible to manufacture a heater of the kind outlined above in a simple and rapid manner.
- This object is obtained by means of a system and a method for manufacturing an electric heater presenting the characteristics defined in the appended claims.
- Currently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following in closer detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral references have been used in the different drawing figures to denote functionally equivalent parts.
- Fig. 1 illustrates schematically one example of a foam-moulded cushion including a heater manufactured in accordance with the inventive method and/or while using the inventive system.
- Fig. 2 illustrates schematically one example of the various steps of the inventive method for the manufacture of the heating device.
- Fig. 3 illustrates schematically one example of an inventive conductor lay-out structure for a heater in accordance with a first embodiment.
- Fig. 4 illustrates schematically one example of an alternative embodiment a holder arrangement included in a conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 5 illustrates schematically one example of an inventive pick-up structure.
- Fig. 6 illustrates schematically in a broken sectional lateral view the manner in which a part of the pick-up structure in accordance with one embodiment is lowered on top of a conductor deposited by a conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 7 illustrates schematically in a broken sectional lateral view the manner of engagement of parts of the pick-up structure with a conductor lifted off a conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 8 illustrates schematically in a view from below and in a broken sectional view the manner of engagement of the pick-up structure lowered on top of the conductor lay-out structure with a conductor positioned in the conductor lay-out structure.
- Fig. 9 illustrates schematically a fixation structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 10 illustrates schematically the manner in which the pick-up structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention transfers the deposited conductor from a conductor lay-out structure to a fixation structure and further to a transportation package.
- Fig. 11 illustrates schematically in a broken sectional lateral view a part of a pick-up structure including a conductor disposed in a fixation structure.
- Fig. 12 illustrates schematically a fixation structure in accordance with an alternative embodiment.
- Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a band formed by a conductor and consisting of a plurality of loops that are interconnected by local interconnections.
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion in which a heater, generally designated by 1, is for instance mainly embedded by moulding. The
heater 1 comprises at least oneelectrical conductor 2 theends electrical conductor 2 having suitable resistivity. As is easily understood it is possible to embedheaters 1, in the moulding operation proper, also in other types of components, such as the backrest of a vehicle seat, armrests or in a mattress. As is likewise easily understood it is possible to embed theheater 1 in a part component of a cushion or the like, or to dispose for instance an essential part of theheater 1 intermediate part components, cushions or the like which components are later interconnected for instance by gluing or fusion, a method which provides essentially the same technical effect as by cast-in embedment of theheater 1. For more information regarding the technical advantages gained by arranging theheater 1 in a cushion or mattress in the manner indicated reference is made to the above-mentioned Swedish application No. 9402508-7. - Figs 1 and 13 show one example of a configuration of the lay-out of the
heater 1 which heater in accordance with these examples has received its configuration as a result of theconductor 2 having been arranged in one orseveral bands 5 of closely juxtaposed bights, each one of which comprises aloop 6 and anopen portion 7 facing away from said loop. In accordance with the shown embodimentsadjacent loops 6 that are turned in the same direction essentially are in contact with one another at points ofcontact 8. However, it is easily understood that several modifications of the lay-out of theconductor 2 are possible, and exemples of other modifications are shown for instance in the above-mentioned Swedish application No. 9402508-7, wherein the advantage of arranging the conductor in bights is also described. - At least parts of the
heater 1 and preferably essentially all saidopen portions 7 or essentially all said points ofcontact 8 are locally interconnected in accordance with a preferred embodiment in order to form one or several connectedbands 5 and consequently an essentiallycontiguous heater 1. The technical advantages gained by connectedbands 5 and consequently by an essentiallycontiguous heater 1 appear from the above-mentioned Swedish patent application No. 9402508-7. The interconnection may be achieved for instance by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping. Fig. 13 shows one example of establishing the interconnection with the aid ofstrips - Fig. 2 illustrates the different principal steps for the manufacture of a
heater 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the inventive method. In accordance with this embodiment the deposition of aconductor 2 is prepared instep 1 by arranging a plurality of protruding members forming part of a conductor lay-out structure in a pattern that is adapted to the configuration of theheater 1, and by positioning a conveyor which is equipped with a follower member in the pattern of a path essentially agreeing with the desired configuration of theheater 1 around said protruding members. Theconductor 2 is also interconnected with the follower means. Instep 2, the conveyor is set in motion whereby the follower means will deposit theconductor 2 in said pattern, the protruding members forming part of a first fixture for theheater 1. The steps included in the method of Fig. 2 and the steps of other inventive methods will be described in the following with reference to the other appended drawing Figures. - Fig. 3 illustrates one example the conductor lay-out structure generally designated by 9 comprising a system for the manufacture of a
heater 1. The conductor lay-out structure 9 comprises a plurality of protruding members generally designated by 10. Each protrudingmember 10, in accordance with the embodiment shown, has a lower part surrounded by abearing 11, and anupper part 12. Theupper part 12 preferably comprises abevelled face 19 extending along the peripheral face at the upper end as seen in Fig. 3. - A
conveyor 13, which in accordance with the embodiment illustrated is a belt conveyor, is arranged between the lower bearing part of the protrudingmembers 10 so as to extend along a path essentially corresponding to the pattern of theheater 1 to be manufactured. Theconveyor 13 is formed with a follower means 14 supporting aconductor 2. Theend 70 of theconductor 2 preferably is connected to a conductor supply reel or the like (not illustrated) for essentially continuous supply of theconductor 2 to be deposited in the conductor lay-outstructure 9. Preferably, theconveyor 13 extends continuously along said protrudingmembers 10 and is connected to a device (not shown) which could be e.g. motor operated, to actuate theconveyor 13 for movement thereof. At one part of the conductor lay-out structure 9 a holder arrangement, generally designated by 15, is provided. In accordance with Fig. 3 theholder arrangement 15 comprises threeholding devices conductor 2 deposited beyond or through theholding device conductor 2 is not so held fast. In accordance with a preferred embodiment theholding device 17 also includes a severing means (not shown) to cut off or otherwise produce an interruption in theconductor 2. - Fig. 4 illustrates a
holder arrangement 15 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment. Theholding devices severing means 21 which is movable in the direction indicated by arrow D, between the illustrated position and a position wherein said device produces a disconnection in theconductor 2. The e.g.semi-circular body 20, about which theconveyor 13 including its followingmeans 14 is arranged, preferably is formed with a bevelled face or a back-up face in the area of severence to facilitate the cutting-off of theconductor 2. - The conductor lay-
out structure 9 functions in the following manner. In accordance with the examples illustrated in Figs 3 and 4, the direction of movement of theconveyor 13 is counter-clockwise. In the starting position (not shown) theconductor 2 is held fixedly by theholding device 17, theconveyor 13 is at a stand-still, and the follower means assumes a position between theholding device 17 and theholding device 18. Theholding devices conveyor 13 is set in motion, and the follower means 14 deposits theconductor 2 about theupper part 12 of the protrudingmembers 10, above thebevelled face 19 thereon. Thebevelled face 19 on the protrudingmembers 10 prevents theconductor 2 from sliding downwards alongside the protrudingmembers 10 as seen in Fig. 3. When the follower means 14 moves past theholding device 18 the latter is shifted to its locking position, whereupon theholding device 17 is shifted to its release position. Theconductor 2 is then released from theholding device 17, for instance through the inherent resilience of theconductor 2 or with the aid of a means (not shown) for release thereof. Oneend 2 of theconductor 2 and thus of theheater 1 is held fast by theholding device 18 in a first point in the area of oneend 4 of theconductor 2 during the laying-out or deposition operation. - The follower means 14 is moved past and around the rest of the protruding
members 10, which members are disposed in a pattern matching the configuration of theheater 1, during which movement the follower means 14 deposits theconductor 2 along the path formed by theconveyor 13, which path essentially corresponds to the desired configuration of the heater 1 (see for example Figs 1 or 13). - When the follower means 14 passes the
holding device 16 the latter is shifted to its locking position, holding theconductor 2 fixedly in a second point in the area of thesecond end 3 of theconductor 2 and thus of the conductor lay-outstructure 1. - The follower means 14 is then moved past the
holding device 17, the latter then being shifted to the locking position. Theconveyor 13, and thus the follower means 14, are stopped, bringing the follower means 14 to a stand-still between the holdingdevices conductor 2 then is severed with the aid of a suitable means, such as acutting device 21. In this position, aconductor 2 is laid out in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 in the desired path configuration around protrudingmembers 10, and theconductor 2 is held fixedly in the area of itsends devices conductor 2 has been severed from theconductor 2 one end of which is held fast in the holdingdevice 17 and engaging with the follower means 14 and the opposite end of which 70 is arranged for instance about said conductor supply reel, which position is illustrated in Fig. 3. The conductor lay-outstructure 9 thus forms a first fixture for theconductor 2 deposited in the conductor lay-outstructure 9. In accordance with the shown example theconductor 2 has been positioned along a path in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 comprisingseveral bands 5 of closely juxtaposed bights. The pattern of the laid-outconductor 2 in Fig. 1 does not exactly agree with the pattern of theconductor 2 in Fig. 3. The pattern of the laid-outconductor 2 may be varied to suit various purposes, for instance by altering the path of theconveyor 13, by shifting the positions of the protrudingmembers 10 or by exchanging one component, such as a plate to which several or all protrudingmembers 10 are secured, and the lay-out pattern of the conductor as shown in Figs 1 and 3 are merely intended to show various example of path patterns. - It is easily understood that the
conductor 2, the follower means 14, theconveyor 13, theholder arrangement 15 and the protrudingmembers 10 may be configured differently from that or those shown. - In accordance with the illustrated preferred embodiment the follower means 14 does not pull the
conductor 2 behind, because the friction that would arise between theconductor 2 and the protrudingmembers 10, should such an arrangement be adapted, would cause problems in the conductor laying-out operation. Instead, theconductor 2 is supplied from a reel holding conductor material, to the follower means 14, which deposits theconductor 2 in the desired pattern. However, it is easily understood that the deposition of theconductor 2 could be performed by means corresponding to follower means, along said path, when the above mentioned problems of friction between theconductor 2 and the protrudingmembers 10 do not exist. In accordance with one embodiment means are provided to prevent too rapid and toomuch conductor material 2 to be unreeled from the supply reel or a corresponding means during the conductor lay-out operation. This effect may be achieved for instance by applying a braking force on the reel, which force should be sufficiently weak to allow unreeling ofconductor material 2 when theconveyor 13 is in motion but sufficiently stronge to prevent for instance surplus conductor material to be unreeled when theconveyor 13 is stopped. In the area of theend 70 of the conductor 2 a follower means (not shown) is provided in accordance with one embodiment, which follows the movements of thefollower 14 and which is arranged to ensure that thefollower 14 is supplied with theconductor 2 at a suitable angle with respect to the lay-out extension in order to avoid such problems as theconductor 2 sticking to thefollower 14. In accordance with an other embodiment this problem is avoided by positioning the conductor supply reel or the equvivalent means at such a distance from the conductor lay-out structure and at such a position that angular changes during the deposition of theconductor 2 adjacent the follower will be sufficiently small. However, a conductor supply reel may be disposed linearly above the conductor lay-out structure in Fig. 1 at said distance from said lay-outstructure 9. - When the
conductor 2 has been deposited in the manner indicated for instance in Fig. 3, parts of theheater 1 in accordance with one embodiment may be interconnected to produce said essentiallycontiguous heater 1. The interconnection may be effected in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 by for instance gluing, welding, sewing or taping. To facilitate e.g. gluing a support is provided in accordance with one embodiment at and preferably below the depositedconductor 2 in Fig. 3, against which the interconnection may then be performed. In accordance with one preferred embodiment the support in the shape ofplates 22 is inserted between the protrudingmembers 10 in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 shown in Fig. 3 (illustrated schematically in Fig. 12 with respect to another structure). In accordance with one embodiment the protrudingmembers 10 are then formed with bevelled faces 22 to facilitate insertion of the support and to permit interconnection at the desired points of interconnection in theconductor 2. At least in the area of interconnection of the various parts of theconductor 2 the support may be provided with a surface layer preventing theconductor 2 from adhering to the support. In accordance with one embodiment the support is provided with tape which is attached to theconductor 2 by moving the support towards theconductor 2 into engagement therewith at one of its sides, for instance its lower face, while at the same time in accordance with one embodiment a back-up means being displaced towards and into engagement with the opposite side of theconductor 2, for instance its upper face. In accordance with one embodiment also the back-up is provided with a tape, in which case theconductor 2 will be taped from both sides. As is easily understood the support or the back-up may also be made use of to facilitate interconnection by means of e.g. welding or sewing, and that the support may for instance be part of the protrudingmembers 10. In the latter case the support may be for instance thebevelled face 22, which in this case is located slightly spaced from or at the depositedconductor 2. The connecting material, such as tape, glue or the material making part of the seam bond, could also, in accordance with one embodiment, at least partly comprise areas that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, which may be attached to a magnet for reasons to be explained further on. In accordance with one embodiment according to which gluing is used as the interconnection method, a support, such as theplates 22, could at least partly comprise areas of material that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, which material adheres to the glue used to interconnect parts of theconnector 2. As a result of the interconnection an essentiallycontiguous heater 1 is produced, which may be transferred from the conductor lay-outstructure 9 while essentially retaining the lay-out pattern imparted to the conductor. - After the interconnection, the holding
devices structure 9 are moved to the release position, whereupon theheater 1 is transferred from thestructure 9. Anew conductor 2 may then be deposited in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 in the manner indicated above, after said support, for instance in the form ofplates 22, as the case may be and as the need arises having been removed from the conductor lay-outstructure 9. - In accordance with another embodiment a pick-up structure is used, for instance configured as the one illustrated in Fig. 5, generally designated by
numeral reference 30. The pick-upstructure 30 illustrated in Fig. 5 has sixgripping devices 31 four of which are illustrated schematically. Each grippingdevice 31 is formed withmeans 32 designed to engage with and essentially fix the conductor that has been deposited in the lay-outstructure 9. In accordance with the shown embodiment, the pattern of theconductor 2 deposited in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 comprises a plurity of bands of closely juxtaposed bights, each one of which comprises aloop 6 and aopen portion 7 facing away from said loop, juxtaposedloops 6 that are turned in the same direction essentially meeting at points ofcontact 8. In the manner illustrated themeans 32 may be in the shape of aplate having teeth 36 thereon and being securely connected to a rotary shaft 33 (see e.g. Figs 6 and 7), which upon actuation of e.g. arack 35 cooperating with agear 34 may be moved between a position illustrated in Fig. 6, in which theteeth 36 are insertable betweenadjacent loops 6 of the conductor deposited by the conductor lay-outstructure 9, and the position illustrated in Fig. 8, wherein theteeth 36 engage withadjacent loops 6 in the area of the points ofcontact 8. The engagement fixes the points ofcontact 8 between theteeth 36 and anedge 40 of thegripping device 31. The area of contact of theedges 40 and/or theteeth 36 with theconductor 2 is coated, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, with a high-friction coating in order to improve the fixation of theconductor 2 to the pick-upstructure 30. The pick-upstructure 30 likewise comprises aguide 37 to guide themeans 32. - When a
conductor 2 has been deposited in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 it is picked up in accordance with one embodiment for instance by the pick-upstructure 30 being turned upside down, from the position illustrated in Fig. 5. Theteeth 36 of the pick-upstructure 3 are arranged in the position illustrated in Fig. 6 and the pick-upstructure 3 is lowered down above thestructure 9, theteeth 36 being inserted intermediateadjacent loops 6 of theconductor 2 and in such a manner that theedges 40 will essentially engage with theconductor 2, whereupon theshafts 33 are rotated to bring about the engagement between theteeth 36 and the con-ductor 2, whereby the lay-out pattern of theconductor 2 is essentially fixed. In accordance with one preferred embodiment the pick-upstructure 30 likewise comprises a holder means (not shown) which is arranged to hold fast theends conductor 2. When aholder arrangement 15 in accordance with Fig. 4 is used the holder means could comprise for instance two holders (not shown) arranged to fix theends conductor 2 in the area ofpoints structure 30 is lowered down across the conductor lay-outstructure 9. The holdingdevices structure 9 are then moved to their release position, whereupon the pick-upstructure 30, and thus the depositedconductor 2, are transferred from thestructure 9 as illustrated in the left-hand part of Fig. 10. During the transfer theconductor 2 is held in its fixed position by the pick-upstructure 30 as illustrated in Fig. 7, the pick-upstructure 30 then forming a second fixture for theheater 1. - Deposition and lay-out of the
fresh conductor 2 may be started in the conductor lay-outstructure 9. - The connection of the
conductor 2 fixed to the pick-upstructure 30 may in accordance with one embodiment be achieved for instance by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping it to the pick-upstructure 30. For this purpose the pick-upstructure 30 and thus theconductor 2 are arranged in accordance with one embodiment in abutment against a support, for instance by lowering the pick-upstructure 30 towards a table in said with respect to Fig. 5 upside-down position, whereupon connection for instance by means of gluing may be effected to said support. For this purpose the pick-upstructure 30 is formed withrecesses 46 through which e.g. gluing means may be inserted. Also this support may be provided with the above-mentioned superficial layer to prevent theconductor 2 from being adhering to the support. It is easily understood that also the support with tape thereon and/or the back-up means with tape thereon may be used for tape-attachment of theconductor 2 arranged in the pick-upstructure 3. The interconnection material, such as tape, glue or material comprised in the seam bond, may in this case at least partly comprise areas of a material that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, for reasons to be explained further on. - In accordance with another embodiment interconnection is achieved in an interconnection structure for instance of the type illustrated in Fig. 9 and generally designated by
reference numeral 45. Theinterconnection structure 45 is formed withmembers 47 matching e.g. recesses 46 in the pick-upstructure 30, allowing eachgripping device 31 to be disposed betweenmembers 47. Fig. 10 illustrates the turning of the pick-upstructure 30 in accordance with this embodiment upside-down with respect to the position wherein it picks up theconductor 2 in the conductor lay-outstructure 9 and is then again lowered on top of theinterconnection structure 45, ensuring that themembers 47 pass through therecesses 46. In this case themembers 47 support the parts of theconductor 2 to be interconnected, in order to facilitate the interconnection operation. This situation also appears from Fig. 11, illustrating a part of thegripping device 31 of the pick-upstructure 30 positioned in theinterconnection structure 45, with theconductor 2 in the area of the loops 60 resting against a support in the form of themembers 47. In this case the pick-upstructure 30 forms part of theinterconnection structure 45 and theinterconnection structure 45 forms a third fixture for theheating device 1. By means of e.g. gluing or welding the parts of theconductor 2 in the area of the support are interconnected in order to produce an essentiallycontiguous heater 1. At least in the area of interconnection of the various parts of theconnector 2 the support may be provided with asuperficial layer 48 preventing theconductor 2 from being connected to the support. In accordance with one embodiment the support is provided with tape which is attached to theconductor 2, whereupon in accordance with one embodiment theconductor 2 is also taped from the opposite side, for instance the upper side as seen in Fig. 11. The interconnection material, such as tape, glue or the material forming part of the seam bond, may also in accordance with one embodiment at least partly comprise areas including material that may be affected by magnets, such as iron powder, for reasons to be explained later on. In accordance with one embodiment wherein gluing is used as the interconnection method, a support may for instance at least partly include areas comprising material that is affectable by magnets, such as iron powder, which material sticks to the glue used to interconnect parts of theconductor 2. In accordance with one modification of this embodiment thesurface layer 48 is capable of retaining said material by magnetic force preparatory to the interconnection step. The gluing operation secures the material to the glue string and this material may then be separated from thesurface layer 48 when theconductor 2 is moved from theinterconnection structure 45. During the interconnection an essentiallycontiguous heater 1 is produced, which may be transferred from theinterconnection structure 9 and the pick-upstructure 30 while essentially retaining the pattern of lay-out of the conductor. - Following the interconnection, the pick-up
structure 30 is moved, as the case may be, from theinterconnection structure 45 in accordance with Fig. 10 or from the support/back-up members, whereupon the pick-up structure is again, when necessary, turned upside down and disposed above atransportation package 50, which may be e.g. a box, whereupon theshafts 33 and the holding means are actuated to release theheater 1 from the pick-upstructure 30, placing it in thetransporation package 50. In accordance with a preferred embodiment thetransporation package 15 is formed with several protrusions (not shown) having a configuration matching at least some of theloops 8 of theheater 1, theheater 1 being separated from the pick-upstructure 30 in such a manner that saidloops 8 are placed about the protrusions, ensuring that theheaters 1 transported inside thetransporation package 50 have an essentially uniform orientation. - Unpacking of the heaters positioned in the
transportation package 50 may for instance be accomplished by lowering a frame (not shown) with projections having a configuration matching theloops 6 of theheater 1, down into an openedtransportation package 50 from above in such a manner that the projections are inserted into theloops 6, whereupon thetransporation package 50 and the frame are for instance turned upside down to ensure that theheaters 1 engage with and are supported by the frame, whereupon the package of transporation is separated from the frame and theheaters 1 supported thereby. - In accordance with another embodiment a
heater 1, consisting of anon-connected conductor 2 disposed in the pick-upstructure 30, is transferred to an interconnection structure which may for instance be configured in the manner illustrated in Fig. 12 and is designated generally by 55. Thisinterconnection structure 55 comprises a plurality of protrudingmembers 56 about which theconductor 2 is disposed for instance by means of the pick-upstructure 30, for instance by the pick-upstructure 30 being lowered down across theinterconnection structure 55 in such a manner that theloops 6 of theconductor 2 are placed about the protrudingmembers 56 and theconductor 2 is fixed to theinterconnection structure 55, whereupon the movable parts of the pick-upstructure 30 are actuated to disengage the pick-upstructure 30 from theconductor 2, the pick-upstructure 30 without theconductor 2 then being moved away from theinterconnection structure 55. The protrudingmembers 56 of theinterconnection structure 55 are disposed in essentially the same pattern as the protrudingmembers 10 of the conductor lay-outstructure 9, and in accordance with the shown preferred embodiment they have a configuration identical to that of theupper part 12 of these protrudingmembers 10. Theinterconnection structure 55 also comprises a holder means (not shown) arranged to fix theends conductor 2. Theinterconnection structure 55 thus forms a third fixture for theheater 1. The interconnection is achieved also in accordance with this embodiment in the manner described above with respect to the interconnection in the case of the conductor lay-outstructure 9. - In accordance with one embodiment (not shown) a pick-up structure is arranged to transfer also part of the conductor lay-out
structure 9 together with anon-connected conductor 2 from thestructure 9. For instance, the protrudingmembers 10 may be transferred, or else theupper part 12 thereof may be transferred from the conductor lay-outstructure 9 to an interconnection structure (not shown), said interconnection structure then being configured in the manner illustrated in Fig. 12 with respect to theinterconnection structure 55. After having been transferred from the lay-outstructure 9, the lay-outstructure 9 is re-established before the conductor deposition is again started. - After interconnection of parts of the
conductor 2 the essentiallycontiguous heater 1 in accordance with the teachings above may be positioned for instance in atransportion package 50 to be further transported to a cushion or mattress manufacturer or may be transported directly to the premises where the cushions or mattresses are produced. - In accordance with the above-mentioned preferred embodiment the interconnection material comprises at least partly areas of a magnet-affectable material, such as iron powder. This material may be made use of in order to, by means of one or several magnets in a mould, fix the essentially assembled
heater 1 in the mould during the foam moulding of the cushion or mattress. The magnet-affectable material may also, in accordance with one embodiment, be made use of to transport the unpacked heaters secured to said frame, to the mould. In accordance with this embodiment use is made for instance of the preferably flexible plate including magnets which by plate means of magnetic force, is connected to an upper orouter heater 1 secured to the frame protrusions and which picks up said heater from the frame, whereupon the plate and theheater 1 are transferred to the mould to position theheater 1 between the plate and the mould, whereupon the plate is pressed against and adopt the configuration of the mould, whereby the mould is interconnected with theheater 1 by magnetic force, retaining the latter inside the mould when the plate is removed from the mould. The force retaining the heater to the mould may be achieved for instance as a result of the magnetic force of the mould on theheater 1 being stronger than the magnetic force of the plate on theheater 1. - In accordance with a preferred embodiment the heater is formed with at least one sensor (not shown), such as a thermistor, which may be connected for instance to a means (not shown) to control the current supply to the
heater 1 and/or to a safety means (not shown) which is triggered in response to a predetermined preset temperature of the sensor, whereupon the current supply to theheater 1 is interrupted. In accordance with the preferred embodiment the sensor is arranged at theheater 1 prior to the interconnection of the parts of theconductor 2, whereby the sensor is connected to theheater 1 at the same time and preferably in the same manner as the interconnection of the various parts of theconductor 2. - In accordance with another preferred embodiment the
heater 1 comprises contact means (not shown) at itsends - It is easily understood that the feature of arranging a plurality of protruding
members 10 incorporated in the lay-outstructure 9 in a pattern matching the shape of theheater 1, which is achieved in theprepatory step 1 of Fig. 2, for instance by changing the position of the protrudingmembers 10, by altering the path of theconveyor 13 along said protrudingmembers 10, or by changing one or several inserts to which a plurality of protrudingmembers 10 are attached, preferably is carried out as the production is reset from the manufacture ofheaters 1 having a first lay-out pattern, to the manufacture ofheaters 1 having a second lay-out pattern. The measures of theprepatory step 1 thus need not always be carried out before thedeposition step 2 in Fig. 2 is initiated. In order to facilitate said reset, the device for causing theconveyor 13 and/or theholder arrangement 15 to move, is arranged in accordance with a preferred embodiment, in a separate part of the conductor lay-outstructure 9, the protrudingmembers 10 being arranged at one or several exchangable parts like the above mentioned inserts. - It is also understood that it is possible to deviate somewhat from the described embodiments. For instance, the
conductor 2 may be laid-out along said path in a lay-out structure, one end of theconductor 2 being securely attached to afollower 2, and the opposite end of theconductor 2 preferably being connected to a supply reel or the like for essentially continuous supply ofconductor 2 to be deposited by the lay-out structure. Theconductor 2 need not be supplied to the lay-out structure essentially continuously as is the case when for instance a reel is used. Instead, it is possible for instance in advance to cut off desired lengths ofconductor material 2, whereupon a cut length of conductor is deposited or drawn in the desired lay-out pattern by the conveyor. - The pattern of the path of the
conductor 2 around the protruding members in the lay-out structure may also vary within wide limits. In accordance with the above embodiments theconductor 2 has been deposited in the form of one orseveral bands 5 of closely juxtaposed bights, each bight consisting of aloop 6 and an open portion facing away therefrom, juxtaposed loops that are turned in the same direction being arranged in such a manner that they essentially meet at points ofcontact 8. However, several alternative lay-out patterns are possible and it is not necessary, although preferable, to arrange theconductor 2 in the form of bights. It is easily understood that the conductor could for instance be deposited in a zig-zag pattern, in which case protruding members having smaller radii than in accordance with the above mentioned embodiments may be used. - It it also understood that the appearance and the function of the pick-up structure and the interconnection structure may be varied within wide limits and still produce essentially the same technical effect. All such modifications and varieties that are comprised by the basic inventive idea should, however, fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (27)
- A method of manufacturing an electric heater (1) intended for heating foam-moulded cushions for e.g. vehicle seats or mattresses, said heater (1) comprising an electric conductor (2) which preferably consists of an insulated or non-insulated metal wire, characterised by the steps of arranging a plurality of protruding members (10) forming part of a conductor lay-out structure (9) in a pattern adapted to the configuration of the heater (1), arranging a conveyor (13) which is equipped with a follower (14) in the pattern of a path which essentially corresponds to the desired configuration of the heater (1) around said protruding members (10), and moving said conveyor (13) while said follower (14) deposits said conductor (2) in said path pattern, said protruding members (10) forming part of a first fixture for the heater (1).
- A method as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the step of arranging the protruding members (10) in such a manner that the heater is configured with one or several bands (5) of closely juxtaposed bights, each one of which comprises a loop (6) and an open portion (7) facing away from said loop.
- A method as claimed in claim 2, characterised by the steps of arranging the protruding members (10) in a manner ensuring that adjacent loops (6) that are turned in the same direction, essentially meet.
- A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the steps of interconnecting parts of the heater (1) to form an essentially contiguous heater (1).
- A method as claimed in claim 2, characterised by the steps of securing at least a part of the heater (1) that is held by the fixture against the support or other back-up means, and by locally interconnecting, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping, essentially all open portions (7) while supporting them against the support or the back-up means, possibly against a layer of tape disposed on the support or on the back-up means, thus to produce one or several interconnected bands (5) and to form an essentially contiguous heater (1).
- A method as claimed in claim 3, characterised by the steps of disposing at least a part of the heater (1) that is held by the fixture against the support to other back-up means, and by locally interconnecting, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping, essentially all open portions (7), while supporting them against the support or the back-up means, possibly against a layer of tape disposed on the support or on the back-up means, thus to produce one or several interconnected bands (5) and to form an essentially contiguous heater (1).
- A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 3, characterised by the steps of directly or indirectly, by means of a pick-up structure (30), engaging the heater (1) for essentially fixing said path pattern, and by means of said pick-up structure (30) transferring the heater (1) and, as the case may be, part of said conductor lay-out structure (9) from said latter structure (9), said pick-up structure (30) forming a second fixture for said heater (1).
- A method as claimed in claim 7, characterised by the steps of arranging the heater (1), while essentially retaining the path pattern thereof and, as the case may be, part of said conductor lay-out structure (9), in an interconnection structure (45; 55), which forms a third fixture for the heater (1).
- A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 - 8, characterised by interconnecting parts of the heater (1) to form an essentially contiguous heater (1).
- A method as claimed in claim 2 in combination with claim 7 or 8, characterised by the step of arranging at least part of the heater (1) arranged in the fixture against the support or other back-up means and by locally interconnecting, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping, essentially all open portions, possibly against a layer of tape disposed on the support or on the back-up means, to produce one or several interconnected bands (5) and thus to form an essentially contiguous heater (1).
- A method as claimed in claim 3 in combination with claim 7 or 8, characterised by arranging at least part of the heater (1) in the fixture against the support or other back-up means, and by locally interconnecting, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, sewing or taping, essentially all points of contact, while abutting them against the support or the back-up means, possibly against a layer of tape disposed on the support or on the back-up means, to produce one or several interconnecting bands (5) and thus to form an essentially contiguous heater (1).
- A method as claimed in any one of claims 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11, characterised by transferring the essentially coherent/contiguous heater (1) from the fixture.
- A method as claimed in claim 12, characterised by the step of preferably by moulding in a mould to an essential degree attaching the essentially contiguous heater (1) transferred from the fixture to or in a cushion or to or in a part component of the cushion, or to an essential degree arranging the essentially contiguous heater (1) transferred from the fixture between part components of a cushion, said part components subsequently being interconnected, preferably by gluing or fusion.
- A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the step of arranging at least one sensor at the heater (1).
- A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the step of arranging contact means at the ends (3, 4) of the heater (1).
- A system for the manufacture of an electric heater (1) intended for heating foam-moulded cushions for e.g. vehicle seats or mattresses, said heater (1) comprising an electric conductor (2) which preferably consists of an insulated or non-insulated wire, characterised in that said system comprises a conductor lay-out structure (9) including a conveyor (13) arranged about protruding members (10), said conveyor being equipped with a follower and extending in the pattern of a path essentially corresponding to the desired configuration of said heater (1), said follower (14) being arranged to deposit said conductor (2) in said path pattern.
- A system as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that the protruding members (10) are arranged in such a manner that said path pattern which comprise one or several bands (5) of closely juxtaposed bights, each one of which comprises a loop (6) and an open portion (7) facing away from said loop.
- A system as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that adjacent loops (6) of said bands that are turned in the same direction are arranged to essentially meet.
- A system as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 18, characterised in that the conductor lay-out structure (9) comprises a holding arrangement (15) arranged to hold fast the conductor (2) in a first point in the area of one end (4) of the conductor (2) and thus of the heater (1) during and after the deposition of the conductor (2) along the path pattern, and to hold fast the conductor (2) in a second point in the area of the opposite end (3) of the conductor (2) and thus of the heater (1), when said heater has been deposited in said path pattern.
- A system as claimed in claim 19, characterised in that the conveyor (13) extends continuously in said path pattern, said conductor (2) initially having at least the same length as the length of the conductor of two heaters, that the holding arrangement (15) is arranged to cut off the conductor (2) to form said second end (3) after deposition of said conductor (2) in a first turn to form a first heater (1), that the system comprises a pick-up structure (30) which is arranged to transfer the first heater (1) and possibly part of the conductor lay-out structure (9) therefrom, the holding arrangement (15) being arranged to hold fast the remaining conductor (2) in such a manner that said conductor (2), after re-construction of said transferred part of the conductor lay-out structure (1), as the case may be, may be deposited by the follower (14) to form a second heater (1) after said transfer.
- A system as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 20, characterised in that the system comprises a pick-up structure (30) which is arranged to engage and essentially fix the path pattern of said heater (1) and to cause transfer of at least the heater (1) from the conductor lay-out structure (9).
- A system as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 21, characterised in that the system comprises an interconnection structure (9; 30; 45; 55) for interconnecting parts of the heater (1) to form an essentially contiguous heater (1) intended, preferably by molding in a mould, to an essential degree to be attached to or in a cushion or to or in a part component of the cushion, or to an essential degree be disposed between part components of a cushion, said part components subsequently being interconnected, preferably by gluing or melting.
- A system as claimed in claim 17, separately or in combination with claim 19 or 20 or 21, characterised in that the system comprises an interconnection structure (9; 30; 45; 55) for locally interconnecting essentially all open portions (7), for instance by gluing, plastic welding or sewing, whereby one or several bands (5) of contiguous patterns are formed, which are intended, preferably by molding in a mould, to an essential degree to be attached to or in a cushion or to or in a part component of the cushion, or to an essential degree be disposed between part components of a cushion, said part components subsequently being interconnected, preferably by gluing or melting.
- A system as claimed in claim 18 separately or in combination with claim 19 or 20 or 21, characterised in that the system comprises an interconnection structure (9; 30; 45; 55) for locally interconnection essentially all points of contact, for instance by gluing, plastic welding or sewing, such that one or several bands (5) of contiguous patterns are formed which are intended, preferably by molding in a mould, to an essentially degree to be attached to or in a cushion or to or in a part component of the cushion, or to an essential degree be disposed between part components of a cushion, said part components subsequently being interconnected, preferably by gluing or melting.
- A system as claimed in any one of claims 22 - 24, characterised in that the interconnection structure (9; 30; 45; 55) comprises a device producing a support or other back-up, which may comprise a layer of tape, at the points of interconnection of the conductor (2) in order to facilitate the interconnection.
- A system as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 25, characterised in that the heater (1) has at least one sensor.
- A system as claimed in any one of claims 16 - 26, characterised in that the heater (1) has contactors at its ends (3, 4).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE9600202A SE505921C2 (en) | 1996-01-17 | 1996-01-17 | System and method for manufacturing an electric heater |
SE9600202 | 1996-01-17 | ||
PCT/SE1996/001692 WO1997026775A1 (en) | 1996-01-17 | 1996-12-18 | System and method for manufacturing an electric heater |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0875127A1 EP0875127A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 |
EP0875127B1 true EP0875127B1 (en) | 2006-05-31 |
Family
ID=20401085
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96944716A Expired - Lifetime EP0875127B1 (en) | 1996-01-17 | 1996-12-18 | System and method for manufacturing an electric heater |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6240623B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP0875127B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2000503797A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100445377B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1128565C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE328460T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1323297A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69636200D1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL180831B1 (en) |
SE (1) | SE505921C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997026775A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10201935B2 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2019-02-12 | Augustine Temperature Management LLC | Electric heating pad |
US20150366367A1 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2015-12-24 | Augustine Temperature Management LLC | Electric heating pad with electrosurgical grounding |
US8283602B2 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2012-10-09 | Augustine Temperature Management LLC | Heating blanket |
WO2012125916A2 (en) * | 2011-03-16 | 2012-09-20 | Augustine Temperature Management, Llc | Heated under-body warming system |
US11425796B2 (en) | 2013-04-17 | 2022-08-23 | Augustine Temperature Management, Llc | Conformable heating blanket |
US20150290027A1 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2015-10-15 | Augustine Biomedical And Design, Llc | Underbody Warming Systems with Core Temperature Monitoring |
WO2016077742A1 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2016-05-19 | Augustine Temperature Management, Llc | Heated underbody warming systems with electrosurgical grounding |
US10765580B1 (en) | 2019-03-27 | 2020-09-08 | Augustine Biomedical And Design, Llc | Patient securement system for the surgical trendelenburg position |
US11844733B1 (en) | 2022-06-23 | 2023-12-19 | Augustine Biomedical And Design, Llc | Patient securement system for the surgical Trendelenburg position |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1961991A (en) * | 1930-03-19 | 1934-06-05 | Welded Fabrics Corp | Process of making electrically welded wire mesh material |
US2318109A (en) * | 1941-08-02 | 1943-05-04 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Heating pad |
US2698893A (en) * | 1951-04-30 | 1955-01-04 | Gen Motors Corp | Automobile seat heater |
US3062946A (en) * | 1957-04-19 | 1962-11-06 | Jet Heet Inc | Methods and apparatus for manufacture of thermal blankets |
US3013141A (en) * | 1958-12-22 | 1961-12-12 | Leslie L Ellis | Seat heater |
US3017493A (en) * | 1960-01-22 | 1962-01-16 | Pyrexon Ray Company Ltd | Heated car seat |
US3349359A (en) * | 1964-12-18 | 1967-10-24 | Templeton Coal Company | Electrical heating elment |
AT297874B (en) | 1970-03-18 | 1972-04-10 | Kabel Metallwerke Ghh | Device for the production of a heating mat used for electrical surface heating |
CA1097716A (en) * | 1975-10-08 | 1981-03-17 | Allen J. Balboni | Electric mattress and subcombinations thereof |
WO1984004221A1 (en) * | 1983-04-15 | 1984-10-25 | Mekania Verken Ab | Heating pad preferably for car seats |
NL8400410A (en) | 1984-02-09 | 1985-09-02 | Inventum Koninklijke Fab | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A WIRELESS ELEMENT BETWEEN RESPECTIVE MATERIAL LAYERS AND MATERIALS PATHS IN A PARTICULAR PATTERN, IN PARTICULAR FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRICALLY HEATED HEARTS, THROUGH COVERAGE, SUCH AS SUCH, THROUGH COVERAGES, SUCH AS SUCH. |
JP2719946B2 (en) * | 1988-12-24 | 1998-02-25 | 繁之 安田 | Self-regulating heating element and flexible planar heating element using the same |
US5023433A (en) * | 1989-05-25 | 1991-06-11 | Gordon Richard A | Electrical heating unit |
US5824996A (en) * | 1997-05-13 | 1998-10-20 | Thermosoft International Corp | Electroconductive textile heating element and method of manufacture |
-
1996
- 1996-01-17 SE SE9600202A patent/SE505921C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-12-18 WO PCT/SE1996/001692 patent/WO1997026775A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-12-18 AT AT96944716T patent/ATE328460T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-12-18 JP JP9525895A patent/JP2000503797A/en active Pending
- 1996-12-18 AU AU13232/97A patent/AU1323297A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-12-18 US US09/101,872 patent/US6240623B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-12-18 CN CN96199677A patent/CN1128565C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-12-18 EP EP96944716A patent/EP0875127B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-12-18 KR KR10-1998-0705459A patent/KR100445377B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-12-18 DE DE69636200T patent/DE69636200D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-12-18 PL PL96327318A patent/PL180831B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1997026775A1 (en) | 1997-07-24 |
CN1207863A (en) | 1999-02-10 |
KR19990077313A (en) | 1999-10-25 |
PL327318A1 (en) | 1998-12-07 |
CN1128565C (en) | 2003-11-19 |
SE505921C2 (en) | 1997-10-20 |
JP2000503797A (en) | 2000-03-28 |
ATE328460T1 (en) | 2006-06-15 |
US6240623B1 (en) | 2001-06-05 |
KR100445377B1 (en) | 2004-11-10 |
EP0875127A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 |
PL180831B1 (en) | 2001-04-30 |
SE9600202D0 (en) | 1996-01-17 |
AU1323297A (en) | 1997-08-11 |
SE9600202L (en) | 1997-07-18 |
DE69636200D1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
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